Like a River Glorious

Publisher's Summary

The sequel to the New York Times best-selling and National Book Award long-listed Walk on Earth a Stranger.

After her harrowing journey west to California, Lee Westfall has finally found a new home - one rich in gold, thanks to her magical power, a power that seems to be changing every day. But this home is rich in other ways, too: with friends who are searching for a place to be themselves, just as she is, and with love. Jefferson - her longtime best friend - hasn't stopped trying to win her heart. And Lee is more and more tempted to say yes.

But her uncle Hiram hasn't given up his quest to get Lee and her power under his control. When she's kidnapped and taken to him, Lee sees firsthand the depths of her uncle's villainy. Yet Lee's magic is growing. Gold no longer simply sings to her, it listens. It obeys her call. Is it enough to destroy her uncle once and for all?

Rae Carson, acclaimed author of the Girl of Fire and Thorns series, takes us deep into the gold fields as she continues this sweeping saga of magic and history and an unforgettable heroine who must come into her own.

©2016 Rae Carson (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Golden sequel!

Would you listen to Like a River Glorious again? Why?

Yes! This sequel gives the reader everything that a sequel should: revelations, tension, terror, hope and in this one, lots of gold. The pacing was perfect for me as we learn about mining, life in California and the progression of Leah's story.

What other book might you compare Like a River Glorious to and why?

I would compare it to the Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix because there's a great balance of passing time and building tension to the plot.

Have you listened to any of Erin Mallon’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to Walk on Earth a Stranger and I love Mallon's narration. She's up there with some of my top favorite narrators. Her tender emotion gripped at my own emotions many times and her soft Southern accent gives extra life and authenticity to the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some parts made me giggle and some made me tense when things were quickly escalating. There's a few shockers in this book and I felt uncertainty when the book ends. I have no idea where the final book will go, but that's a good thing. Carson has managed to make me feel something in every book, which had been somewhat rare for me in the past.

Any additional comments?

This is a special series that I don't know that we'll see again. The backdrop of 1849 America is wild, terrifying, realistic and beautiful. There's a healthy romantic relationship that builds in this book, as well as great messages of serving others, tolerance of others and bravery. Highly recommended series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I need the next book

This book is amazing. The storyline flows from the first book to the second book great

quick read, solid performance

I enjoyed so much the audio on this book. engaging, well paced. the story itself I found captivating. It has enough detail it could be a stand alone book, and enough mystery that I'm going to go find the 3rd in the series right now.

Excitement with a touch of fantasy

Loved it! A roller coaster ride of emotions. Against all odds with one struggle after another, true friends stick together.

Good sequel

I found this book slower and shorter than the first. Felt like not that much happened but it was elaborated too much. Certain moments were very well done though. I liked the first book a lot and am intrigued enough to read the third!

Old west meets magic

You gotta love writing that has fictional characters you're so angry with you need to put the book down for awhile.

I love Rae Carson's writing!

The author is gifted period piece writer. After reading her other series I was so impressed how she completely envelopes you in yet another world and time. Never predictable and always impossible to put down. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time!

Adventure with a hint of magic

This seemed to conclude the story for Leah Westfall. The California history of gold mines, indian and chinese slavery and the settlements reminds me of all adversity and sacrifices made for land. If you like adventure, history, and a hint of magic you will like this book.

Strong Second Showing

Like a River Glorious is a wonderful YA anomaly. Usually, the second book of a trilogy is much weaker than the first. But Rae Carson obviously took her time and thoroughly thought through this book. I picked up Walk on Earth a Stranger, not expecting to like it, but I was immediately enthralled, so I grabbed the next two books and proceeded to spend the next few days listening at every spare second. I thoroughly enjoyed the uniqueness of this captivating story and its characters. This sequel was great, and I'm thrilled to add it to my collection!

Leah has been everything that a strong female lead should be, including those few character flaws that truly bring her to life. And with this sequel, she continues to grow, not just as a character, but in her abilities as well. Villains return and have a much larger role in this book. Hiram Westfall is truly the character that you just love to hate. With a passion. There are also introductions to some new characters that are just as vivid as the returning cast.

This book had a bit of a quicker pace than the first with many exciting events and intrigues to move the story along. Also, romance was a stronger theme.

The story is rife with racism, sexism, and prejudice on almost a monumental level. It was terrible and made my blood boil from the sheer injustice and cruelty. I can't understand how Lee could control herself and not try to beat her uncle into a pulp! But maybe that's just me.

Overall, Like a River Glorious is a wonderful sequel to Walk on Earth a Stranger.

Amazing story telling, fabulous world and character development

One of the best books I have heard this year. About the California gold rush. A young woman in danger and her best male friend join a caravan of people traveling through unimaginable danger to stake claims in California. Indian attacks, buffalo stampedes, betrayals and other deaths and murders make for dangers times. Enjoyable narration.